CVE-2019-18235 in Spectre RT ERT351
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2021
Advantech Spectre RT ERT351 Versions 5.1.3 and prior has insufficient login authentication parameters required for the web application may allow an attacker to gain full access using a brute-force password attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-18235 affects Advantech Spectre RT ERT351 devices running firmware versions 5.1.3 and earlier, representing a critical authentication flaw that undermines the security posture of industrial control systems. This weakness stems from inadequate login authentication parameters within the web application interface, creating a pathway for unauthorized access through brute-force password attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism that governs access to the device's web management interface, which is commonly used for system configuration, monitoring, and operational control in industrial environments.
The technical flaw manifests as insufficient protection against credential guessing attacks, where the system fails to implement adequate rate limiting, account lockout mechanisms, or other defensive measures that would typically prevent automated password cracking attempts. This weakness falls under the broader category of weak authentication mechanisms and aligns with CWE-307, which addresses inadequate account lockout mechanisms. The vulnerability's impact is particularly severe in industrial settings where these devices often serve as critical components in operational technology environments, potentially providing attackers with full administrative control over the system. Attackers can systematically attempt various password combinations until successful access is achieved, bypassing normal authentication procedures and gaining unrestricted access to system configurations, operational parameters, and potentially sensitive industrial data.
The operational implications of this vulnerability extend beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate industrial processes, disrupt operations, or escalate privileges to gain deeper system control. In the context of industrial control systems, this vulnerability could enable adversaries to modify operational parameters, access confidential process data, or even cause physical harm through manipulation of critical infrastructure components. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed remotely through the web application interface, requiring no physical access to the device and potentially allowing attackers to target multiple systems simultaneously. This vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in implementing basic security controls such as those recommended by the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential stuffing and brute force attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate firmware updates to versions that address the authentication weaknesses, as Advantech has likely released patches to resolve the issue. Organizations should implement additional protective measures including network segmentation to limit access to these devices, deployment of intrusion detection systems to monitor for brute-force attempts, and implementation of strong access control policies that enforce multi-factor authentication where possible. Security teams should also consider disabling unnecessary web interfaces, implementing strict firewall rules, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar weaknesses in other industrial control system components. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated firmware properly addresses the authentication mechanisms and that no other related vulnerabilities exist within the system's configuration.